Make a Plan
Before you fire up Xcode and write that first line of code, make a plan. Without a plan, you could find yourself in the frustrating position of trying to design your game while also trying to develop it. Sure, it’s possible to throw everything you have at the code—whatever it may be—but it’s almost always better to start with a plan.
To help plan out your games, you can use what’s known as a game design document (GDD). With a GDD, you’ll have a much better idea of the game you’re trying to make.
In addition to the technical specifications of your game, the design document should include:
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A short description of the game, including the genre.
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Character bios and/or descriptions of the main characters, enemies, and other key players in the game.
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Location and/or scene information—especially if your game is story-driven.
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Any design considerations, concept art, and mock-ups. The GDD is a good place to decide the game’s art style and camera angle.
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Level design ideas. Are the levels randomly generated or made purposefully? Is your game an endless runner, or are there distinct levels the player must clear before moving on to the next?
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Music and sound ideas or examples that will help set the tone of your game.
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The gameplay mechanics, such as items and power-ups, goals and challenges, and movement and control systems.
The level of detail you include in a GDD depends not only on the size of your game, but also on the size of your team. Even if you’re working alone, make a plan and document it.
Also, it’s important to understand that the GDD is a living document. A living document is a document that is always evolving and changing. As your game develops, so too should your design document. Because no two GDDs are alike, your best bet is to start with a blank page and add the information that is relevant to your game and its design. Alternatively, you can do a web search to find a free template or an open example.
Now that you have an idea and a plan, the next step is to gather your resources.